The next time I take a road trip across country

The next time I take a road trip across the country I will pack my own toilet paper.

The first time I took a road trip across the country it was by bus. I was 19 and scared. I did it anyway. My desire to go to Colorado was so strong. It was worth it.

I was transferring schools and, to convince my parents, I said I would pay my own way. The bus seemed like a good (cheap) option. It took two days and nights and God only knows how many stops. At least one senior citizen and one snot-nosed kid fell asleep on my shoulder.

I arrived in Gunnison in the middle of the night. A student transported me to my dorm where I discovered, to my dismay; there was no toilet paper.

Up until this point, I had kept my cool and “warrior-ed” on. But no toilet paper? I lost it. I called my mom, 2,000 miles away, SOBBING. She calmed me down and told me there must be a gas station nearby where I could go get myself a roll. She was right.

The next time I take a road trip across the country I will meditate to remain calm, clear, and sane.

The second time I took a road trip across the country was with my parents. We traveled by Pontiac Sunbird from Colorado to NY. Somewhere around Kansas I got stir-crazy and started laughing for no reason. Mum soon joined in and we were cackling like hens, laughing uncontrollably with tears running down our cheeks. Dad simply looked on, shaking his head, denying we were related.

The next time I take a road trip across the country I will be joyful. I will do it with ease and stay well-nourished.

The third time I took a road trip across the country was with my childhood friend, Melinda. We were in our early twenties and she was moving to LA.

By the time we got to the Grand Canyon, we were grumpy. I don’t know why. Perhaps too many hours in a Saab or too many chocolate-covered espresso beans. She got out of the car and slammed the door, leaving me to park the car. We marched to the edge of the canyon, ready to go our separate ways.

Suddenly, we stopped, overcome with emotion at the glory of this vast, beautiful work of art. Our hearts melted. We embraced, laughed, cried a little, and got back on the road. Friends once again.

The next time I take a road trip across the country…

I will be with my husband Jim, who is also by bff, my swolemate, my lover, and my playmate. We will take our time, exploring our country’s great states, and ride our bikes in beautiful spaces! We will bring toilet paper. We will meditate. We will laugh and smile and explore with ease as we bask in the beauty that surrounds us! And I promise not to over-caffeinate.

This is Fantastic, Lori!
Having been on many road trips myself, I totally relate to all of this.
Hahaha!
Mahalo, I needed a really good laugh early this morning!
I promise to enjoy the Journey of Life itself. 🙂